Phil Crozier: DWWA 2014 judge

Find out more about the world-renowned names that make up the 2014 Decanter World Wine Awards judging line-up in this Q&A series.

Phil Crozier is director of wine for Gaucho and is responsible for the restaurant’s wine list, as well as managing the Gaucho-owned vineyard in Lulunta, Mendoza. Working with one of Argentina’s main producers, Crozier is also currently involved with the production of the Corte G range of varietal and blended wines.

Read our interview with Phil Crozier below…

☆ Which year or decade do you wish you’d been born in and why?
I was lucky enough to have been born in the 1960s but I would like to have been born in the 1950s so I could have appreciated how that decade changed the world.

☆ How old were you when you had your first wine ‘moment’ and what was it?
I was 34. It was a Chateau Musar and I bought it to take home for Christmas. I spent the day drinking it whilst I was cooking the turkey and I wanted it to last forever.

☆ How many bottles do you have in your cellar and what is your most recent addition?
I don’t have a cellar, and I only ever have around two wines at a time. I get so many samples that I just don’t get to keep any of them. I am collecting wines for ageing in bond for Gaucho though.

☆ How many years have you been working in the wine industry and what was your first job?
I have been doing my current job for 15 years now. I kind of created the job when I put together the first all-Argentine list and it really took off from there.

☆ Which vintage and region (or wine) do you wish you’d bought a whole case of wine from?
I wish I had bought the first vintage of Cobos Unico 1999 when it was released. Going back to it now would be a real education in how wines from Argentina can evolve.

☆ In the last 12 months, which grape have you drunk the most of?
Malbec. Lots and lots of Malbec.

☆ In the last 12 months, what’s the most exciting region you’ve discovered and why?
I think the Languedoc. They are making some really good, value for money wines.

☆ Who’s your wine idol (who has inspired you the most in the wine world)?
Roberto de la Mota – a lovely, lovely man.

☆ What’s your most memorable wine and food moment?
A late harvest Torrontes from Salta and some Colston Bassett Stilton. Heaven.

☆ If you could taste/drink any wine in the world what would it be and who would you drink it with?
A good German Eiswein and some blue cheese, with David Bowie.

☆ What do you enjoy most about judging at the Decanter World Wine Awards?
The education. The passion. Being in the company of people who shape the wine industry around the world. The sausage and mash. It is a huge honour.